Styling Tips

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We all have our go-to people to consult when we're faced with a dilemma. Whether it's a tutor to help with an impossible homework assignment or an accountant to file our dizzyingly complicated taxes, it makes sense to call upon those with specific know-how to help us out. After all, these are people who've spent considerable time honing their skills, making them astoundingly good at what they do-a description that also applies to today's eight tastemakers, each of whom has an undeniable talent in the style department! Take for example, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has '60s-chic dressing down to a T, or Into the Gloss' Emily Weiss, who can take boyish basics and turn them into a glamorous look with just a few accessories. We can all learn a thing or two from the lovely ladies of this month's Styling Tips, so read on for all the details of their ensembles, plus ideas on how to mimic their looks!

Tip # 1: Update boyish separates with chic metallic accessories.
For this month's edition of Styling Tips, we couldn't help but include one of our favorite girls-in-the-know, Emily Weiss. We love her popular beauty site, Into the Gloss, and adore her flawless style just as much! Case in point: the brunette stunner attended the Vogue Celebrates the Gap 1969 Experience party in New York last month wearing a slew of adorably laddish pieces from the beloved retailer, including a v-neck sweater, skinny pants, and the Pyramid Stud Clutch ($25). Weiss masterfully mixed these thrifty thrills with high-end accessories, namely Balenciaga shoes, Eddie Borgo bracelets, and a Repossi ring. The metallic accents add some glamour to her boyish separates, resulting in a truly stellar ensemble! With Weiss' outfit in mind, we suggest adding some glitz to your menswear-inspired essentials via Belle Noel's Cutout Wide Cuff ($65), Links of London's Friendship Bracelet ($225), and Zara's Patchwork Sandals ($129).

Tip # 2: Style a tribal-print top with vibrant solid shorts.
Lately, we just can't get enough of Solange Knowles' outfits; her wonderfully eclectic aesthetic has definitely won over our hearts! The songstress made us giddy yet again with her look at the Band of Outsiders S/S 12 show earlier this month. Her formula was simple: start with a graphic-print top, and then add bright, tailored shorts metallic heels, and Lia Sophia's Rough Necklace with Turquoise Resin ($350) for a party-perfect look! Eager to mimic her savvy styling? We recommend picking up Vintage Havana's Tribal Burnout Tee ($53) and teaming it with either Mother's Frayed Hem Stretch Corduroy Shorts ($176) or J. Crew's 5" Chino Shorts ($43) for a similarly enchanting ensemble!

Tip # 3: Punch up neutral pieces with a pair of tailored red pants.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of color or tend to stick to neutrals, you really should consider adding a pair of vibrant pants to your wardrobe this season. Our reasoning is simple: we spotted Meredith Melling Burke, Vogue's Senior Market Editor, wearing a pair at the Bonpoint NYC Maison Opening Party earlier this month, and think her outfit was incredibly chic. MMB allowed her cropped pants to take center stage by teaming them with sleek black and white basics, including a streamlined coat, white top, and Thakoon sandals. To achieve editor-worthy style yourself, consider picking up Aqua's Skinny Pants ($88), Alexander McQueen's Crepe Ankle Pants ($765), or Topshop's Cerise Ankle Grazer Trousers ($76). Whichever option you choose, you're sure to step out in style!

Tip # 4: Polish a minimalist look with a snakeskin clutch.
When it comes to adding accessories to an outfit, striking the right balance between ho-hum and over-the-top isn't always an easy task. That said, when we spot someone with a knack for choosing pitch-perfect finishing touches, we simply have to feature her! Case in point: Chloe Moretz, who attended the Calvin Klein Collection S/S 12 show last week wearing a chic ensemble by the storied brand, comprised of the Star Silk Dress ($3325, 212.292.9000), Beam Patent Shoes ($695, 212.292.9000), and Pumice Python Bag ($1295, 212.292.9000). Her reptilian clutch enlivened her otherwise pared-down outfit for one flawlessly well-balanced look! Take a cue from Moretz and add a snakeskin clutch to your repertoire of after-dark accessories; we think MICHAEL Michael Kors' Sloan Snake Embossed Leather Clutch ($228), DKNY's Snake-Embossed Leather Clutch ($225), and Beirn's Cobra Envelope Clutch ($324) all fit the bill wonderfully!

Tip # 5: Try a pair of ultra-wide pants this season.
Feeling a bit daring this season, dear readers? Then why not emulate Amanda Brooks and try a pair of ultra-wide trousers come fall! The ever-so-stylish Barneys New York Fashion Director attended the opening of Tory Burch's New York flagship store last week wearing a voluminous, pleated pair, which she smartly balanced with a lacey Maje by Vanessa Traina tank top and a Celine bag. We think the pants' billowing silhouette makes for a fantastic, easy-breezy outfit, plus they look super comfortable, no? To make a statement a la Brooks, we suggest snagging Topshop's Premium Wide Leg Trousers ($106), Theyskens' Theory's Proquo Pleated Wide Leg Trousers ($575), or Free People's Super Wide Leg Pants ($88).

Tip # 6: Pair a '60s dress with tall leather boots for a mod look.
We love 1960s fashion in all its mod-to-psychedelic glory, but the look can easily become too costume-y. For guidance on wearing pieces inspired by this era in the right way, consider emulating Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's top-notch styling at New York Fashion Week. Snapped at the Michael Kors show, the model showed off a smart ensemble comprised of a nude shift dress and leather below-the-knee boots, both by the designer himself. We appreciate how the neutral colors gave her outfit a modern twist and kept it from feeling like a literal interpretation of the mod look. Craving a similar retro vibe? Channel Swinging London with a chic, short shift dress, such as Shoshanna's Plaid Pocket Shift Dress ($319), and then add a pair of tall boots, like Frye's Dorado Riding Boots ($498) or Free People's Vertigo Vamp Boot ($160), both of which are guaranteed to put some pep in your step!

Tip # 7: Create a glam evening look with a flared jumpsuit.
A jumpsuit never fails to make a bold impression, which is why we wholeheartedly suggest investing in one for fall. If you're searching for a foolproof way to wear this look, consider Olivia Wilde your guide. The actress attended the Ralph Lauren Collection S/S 12 show last week wearing a head-to-toe ensemble from the designer's F/W 11 collection, including the Alton Bodysuit ($1098, select Ralph Lauren stores), Art Deco Leather Belt ($495, available in green), and Lizard Long Deco Clutch ($2750, select Ralph Lauren stores). What do we love most about this outfit, you might ask? The wide-leg silhouette is definitely on-trend, while the artsy belt and vibrant clutch certainly up the chic factor. To recreate her au courant styling for yourself, don't miss Free People's Lace Insert Romper ($98) and Vince's Jumpsuit ($295), as both will invoke some Studio 54-esque glamour!

Tip # 8: Toughen up your maxi dress with a leather jacket.
If you're looking for wardrobe inspiration, you simply can't go wrong with Rachel Zoe. Her spot-on sensibilities never cease to amaze us, and the ensemble she wore for an appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue last month was no exception. She expertly juxtaposed a flowing maxi dress with a sleek leather blazer-both from the Rachel Zoe Resort 12 collection-resulting in the perfect combination of sugar and spice! Emulate Zoe's A+ styling with Diane von Furstenberg's Night Clouds-Print Maxi Dress ($545), and add Alexander Wang's Leather Front Blazer ($895) or Baguda's Leather Jacket ($298) to finish off your outfit.-Erin Fitzpatrick